MND to raise food allowance for armed forces personnel

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed plans to increase the monthly food allowance for Republic of China Armed Forces personnel on Monday (Oct. 23).

The goal is to set a minimum of NT＄3,388 by 2025, with even higher allowances for those serving in high-cost regions, such as Nansha Taiping Island, receiving up to NT＄5,850.

The stipend for service members is NT＄2,859, with additional provisions for those stationed on outlying islands.

This decision followed a 10% increase in the monthly food allowance for substitute military service personnel, raising it to NT＄3,550 starting in October.

This discrepancy drew criticism from Legislative Yuan member Chang Hung-Lu during a Monday Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting.

In response, the MND confirmed that it had submitted a report to the Executive Yuan proposing these increases, which have already received approval.

Once implemented, the adjustment will require an additional NT＄1.3 billion annually and will take effect starting in 2025.